Chronicles Of The Seeker

Aqua gritted his teeth, trying his best not to show his frustration. Finally, he looked at the two getting ready to stand up.

'Damn, I don't have much of a choice right now, do I? '

With a sigh, he stood and followed Ina and Mikey out of the café. As they walked down the streets, the lanterns flickered brightly, struggling against the encroaching darkness. Though the streets were less crowded than before, they still bustled with life.

Trailing behind the two, Aqua's gaze drifted toward the side streets lined with small stalls, where vendors called out to passersby, selling all kinds of food and trinkets. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meat, baked bread, and exotic spices, but to Aqua, it all blurred into a haze. The heat from the crowd and the sheer density of people overwhelmed him, despite the night's mild—almost chilly—temperature.

'How do people even survive in a place like this? I'd much rather stay inside all day '.

He let out a long sigh, unintentionally drawing Ina's attention. She glanced at him before offering a small, knowing smile.

"I know, right? I feel it every time I walk through the streets."

'What the hell is she even talking about? '

"The world is oblivious to the things lurking beneath its surface," she continued. "Leaving the Chronicles aside, many monuments, ancient ruins, and even what people call UFOs are far more connected than they seem. But human minds aren't built to comprehend those outer-worldly forces. Our brains naturally shove such thoughts aside, labeling them as irrelevant."

She paused, her golden eyes glinting under the lantern light. "Humans are foolish. But that's why Seekers exist. You know what our role is, right?"

Aqua pondered for a moment. He had picked up bits and pieces from their conversations, but it would be a stretch to say he truly understood. One thing he had learned, however, was that common sense rarely applied in the world of Seekers.

'Well, what do I have to lose by saying whatever comes to mind? '

Straightening his posture, he looked up at the full moon, his voice measured.

"Seekers…" He started, his tone tense before shifting into his usual casual voice. "We are protectors and hunters. Who chase the truth, dancing with madness, in an endless struggle for dominance in a world that refuses to be understood."

Ina smiled inwardly. "That's a unique way to put it."

Aqua couldn't decipher her expression, but he felt his pulse quicken. 'Did I say something wrong? '

Before he could dwell on it, they arrived at their destination—a boutique in Street 4A. Staring at the elegant wooden door, Aqua hesitated.

'Is this really worth it? What if she calls the cops? Or worse… what if she's as ridiculously strong as they say and turns me into a punching bag? '

But he had already come this far. Resigning himself to whatever awaited him, he stepped forward.

The soft chime of a bell echoed through the boutique as they entered.

To Aqua's surprise, even though he had been here before, the store's elegance struck him anew. Rich wood paneling and embossed wallpaper adorned the walls, while crystal chandeliers cast a soft, golden glow over the boutique. The polished wooden floor reflected the light beautifully. Hidden LED lighting subtly illuminated the clothing displays without disrupting the vintage aesthetic.

A digital catalog station was seamlessly integrated into a classic wooden desk, allowing customers to browse collections on a sleek screen. A modernized tailor's station sat in one corner, blending old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology—fabric scanners and automated measurements working in harmony. The air was filled with a faint yet distinct aroma of lavender, vanilla, and aged leather.

Aqua couldn't help but feel out of place. This place was far too luxurious for someone like him.

Near the counter, a young woman with red hair tied into a bun and glasses—far too large for her face—sat reading a book. Or rather, staring at it blankly.

Her crimson eyes flickered toward them, sharp and unreadable. There was something eerie about them, as if they had been coated in blood.

'Why does she look younger than before? No… that must just be my imagination right '.

Breaking the silence, she spoke.

"Oh, it's you, Mikey. And I see you brought two guests. What a coincidence, that I know them both" she said, her voice carrying a lazy amusement.

Both Ina and Mikey turned their gazes toward Aqua.

'Damn this woman. Why can't she just conveniently forget about that incident like everyone else? '

"But anyway," Katherine continued, adjusting her glasses. "What brings you infected kids to my store?"

Aqua narrowed his eyes. 'She didn't even hesitate to call us 'infected.'

His mind clicked into gear. 'She must be a high-ranking Seeker if she can sense it so easily '.

But then another thought struck him. That day… something did feel off. He was good at manipulating people and trickery was second nature to him. And yet, she had fallen for his scheme far too easily.

'Did she know I was infected from the start? Was she just humoring me? Or… was that dress she gave me meant to be my funeral attire? '

As if sensing the shift in his expression, Katherine smiled.

"I didn't expect some of you to survive." She leaned forward slightly. "Right, Lord of Ashen… Aquarius?"

Aqua's blood ran cold, and he stiffened suddenly feeling an urge to run through the door.

'Damn it. This sly fox knew all along '.

Mikey, oblivious to the tension, whispered in his usual melodic voice. "Aqua, what is she talking about?"

"Nothing," Aqua replied hastily. "It's just that—"

Ina cut him off. "Aqua, don't tell me… you tried to scam Katherine?"

'Why is she so damn sharp at times like this? '

Aqua shot her a glare.

"No way, right?" she teased, barely suppressing a laugh.

Irritated, Aqua turned to Mikey, who was slightly taller than him—though the difference was barely noticeable. Mikey gave him a small nod before speaking.

"Katherine, as you probably already know, we're not just infected—we survived the Azrael incident." His tone grew serious. "But we barely know anything about Seekers. We don't even understand how to properly perform the ritual. So we really need your help."

The three of them bowed slightly.

Katherine exhaled, crossing her arms. "It's not that big of a deal."

Mikey brightened. "Really?!"

"But," Katherine interjected, "on one condition."

Mikey stiffened. "What?"

"You'll need to join us."

Aqua slightly flinched. 'What does she mean by join us, is she or are all seekers trying to control new seeds. Like the pentagon or the other aristocrats that Ina mentioned before'

As if to answer his thoughts, Ina reacted immediately.

"What do you mean, 'join us'? It's way too soon for us to choose a Domain. We haven't even passed the ritual yet!"

Katherine gave her a flat stare. "So you plan to die in the ritual?"

Ina flinched but quickly recovered. "I never said that."

Aqua, however, was caught on something else.

'So Domains are what she meant by ' join us'. That's a rather interesting concept, though I'm not planning on letting my life be controlled by others'

Mikey then asked bluntly with his face hinting at his confusion"What exactly is a Domain?"

Katherine and Ina both looked at him. Then, slowly, they turned to Aqua.

"Mikey… don't tell me you don't even know what a Domain is," Ina said, her tone flat.

Mikey tilted his head. "Am I supposed to?"

Ina palmed her forehead. "Do you even know what Kami is?"

Mikey blinked. "Am I meant to know that?"

Ina sighed heavily. 'Don't tell me this sly fox didn't teach him anything '.

Katherine simply smiled. "I knew Mikey would bring more people along, so I waited."

"You knew?!"

"Of course. My Order is Esoterism," she said smugly.

Then, turning towards them, she stretched. "Alright. I'll explain just enough that your puny brains won't fry. Now, where should I start?"

She gestured for them to follow her.

"Let's head somewhere more private."

As they descended into the basement, the world around them seemed to darken…then shift… then twist.

And then, before Aqua even realized it—

He stood in front of a massive door.

Something beyond it was waiting for him.

Something that would change his life forever.

He whispered under his breath.

"Finally."